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“Multiple People” Responsible For the Overdose Death of Actor Matthew Perry: Report

A collage featuring two partially overlapping male faces. The left side shows a man's face laughing, while the right side displays another man's face looking forward. Silhouettes of additional people are layered over both main faces, creating a complex, artistic composition inspired by Matthew Perry's roles and the intrigue of criminal investigations.
Credit: Disney Dining

A criminal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of actor Matthew Perry in late 2023 has been in motion for months, though the general public knew nothing of the investigation until May 2024.

In recent days, however, new details have emerged about the investigation into Perry’s death as a possible homicide, and a report released on Tuesday might include the most shocking news yet–that multiple people are responsible for the Friends actor’s death.

Matthew Perry cause of death

Credit: NBC

The Sudden, Untimely Death of a Beloved Actor

Actor Matthew Perry was found in the jacuzzi at his home in the Los Angeles area neighborhood of Pacific Palisades on the afternoon of October 28, 2023. Paramedics were called to the actor’s home, but their attempts to revive him were unsuccessful. He was 54 years old.

Perry had numerous acting roles in film and television, but he is best remembered as the lovable–and sarcastic–Chandler Bing on the Emmy-winning sitcom Friends, alongside actresses Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, and Jennifer Aniston and actors Matt Leblanc and David Schwimmer. The sitcom aired on NBC from 1994 to 2004 and quickly became a fan favorite.

A person wearing a light plaid shirt gestures with their right hand raised, index finger pointing upwards, while standing in what appears to be a kitchen area. The background includes a refrigerator with various items attached and a partially visible door, reminiscent of scenes from crime dramas or pieces like Matthew Perry's work.

Credit: NBCUniversal

News of Perry’s untimely and sudden death began to spread, and many friends and fans assumed Perry died of an apparent drowning, though an autopsy was performed to determine his cause of death for certain.

No Signs of Foul Play

Law enforcement officers who arrived at Perry’s home reportedly found no evidence of foul play, and no drugs were found at the scene, except for those prescribed by Perry’s doctor.

But because of Perry’s very public struggles with alcohol abuse and substance abuse, many friends and fans feared that something else might be to blame for the actor’s death.
matthew perry's california home

Perry’s cottage in Pacific Palisades/Credit: House Beautiful

Autopsy Results Become Public Information

Perry’s manner of death was ruled an accident, per an autopsy report, which became public in December 2023.

According to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner, Perry died of the acute effects of the powerful drug ketamine. Other contributing factors included drowning, buprenorphine effects–referring to a medication used to treat opioid use disorder–and coronary artery disease.

The report noted the presence of ketamine in Perry’s system, which was to be expected, as he was undergoing ketamine treatments at the time of his death. However, per the autopsy report, the levels of ketamine in Perry’s system were higher than expected, considering his last treatment was more than a week before his passing.
Matthew Perry had been undergoing ketamine infusion therapy treatments, per the autopsy report. The treatments were prescribed to treat anxiety and depression.

A Criminal Investigation of Death Begins

In December, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner officially closed its investigation into Perry’s death. But the completion of the medical examiner’s report–and the information contained within the report–gave way to a brand-new criminal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the 54-year-old actor’s death by overdose.

matthew perry in abc's mr. sunshine

Credit: Disney/ABC

The criminal investigation, which was first announced by news media outlets in May 2024, originally began in December 2023 and is being led by the Los Angeles Police Department, and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the United States Postal Inspection Service are also taking part in the effort.

News of a criminal investigation into the beloved Friends actor’s death shocked fans. Then, only weeks later, more details emerged about the investigation, including reports that a famous female celebrity in Hollywood had been detained by detectives for questioning several times about her possible connection to Matthew Perry’s death.

matthew perry Mr. Sunshine

Credit: Disney/ABC

Then, late last week, it was revealed that the celebrity in question had obtained the services of a criminal defense attorney, raising even more questions about who the celebrity is and what her alleged involvement in Perry’s death might be.

Mystery Celebrity Female’s Identity Revealed

On Tuesday, the identity of the mystery female celebrity was revealed. She is Brooke Mueller, the wife of actor Charlie Sheen. Though her iPhone and laptop were seized as part of the criminal investigation, it’s not clear what detectives discovered on those devices–or if they discovered anything–that could incriminate Mueller.

Jessica Collins, Brooke Mueller, Rebecca Gayheart, and Charlie Sheen

Credit: Ash90291/Flickr

Mueller and Perry reportedly met while both were in a rehabilitation program for substance and alcohol abuse, and the two struck up an “unlikely friendship.”

At this time, details surrounding detectives’ interest in questioning Mueller multiple times remain unclear.

Investigation Reportedly Finds Several People Responsible in Perry’s Death

Now, a law enforcement “investigative source” has said that the criminal investigation into Matthew Perry’s death is “nearing its conclusion” and that detectives believe that “multiple people” should be charged in the case.

Matthew Perry Friends

Credit: Matt LeBlanc/Instagram

Though the investigative source says law enforcement involved in the criminal investigation into Matthew Perry’s death believe that several people were ultimately culpable in the actor’s passing, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will be the entity to determine whether charges are brought in the case–and against whom those potential charges will be filed.

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, there is help available. Please do not hesitate to reach out to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357.

About Becky Burkett

Becky's from the Lone Star State and has been writing since she was 10 and encountered her first Disney Park when she was 11. It was love at first Main Street Electrical Parade. Joy is blank lined journals, 0.7 mm pens, and all things Walt, Woody and Buzz, PIXAR, Imagineering, Sleeping Beauty (make it blue!), Disney Parks history and EPCOT. At Disney World, you'll find her croonin' with the birdies at the Enchanted Tiki Room or hangin' with Woody and the gang at Toy Story Land. If you can dream, you really can do it!